Jonathan Gannon new Packer DC

[OldSchool101]

Update on a name some had mentioned as a possible Packers DC candidate:

The Browns today announced today that Todd Monken (former Ravens OC) would be their next HC.

Jim Schwartz (Browns DC) was reportedly "fuming" and "visibly upset" upon learning that he was getting passed over for the HC opening....and apparently went ahead and said his goodbyes, told his colleagues that he wouldn't be coming back, and left the building

Maybe Bobby Babich could hire Schwartz as his Assistant? Seeing as Schwartz finished behind him in Passing Yards Allowed.
(just being silly they were #1 #2) Interesting that Schwartz is all mad, Babich gladly accepted demotion to stay on a contender. The Browns are likely trying to hold ground at Defense and improve on Offense to get into Postseason. Sometimes you’ve got to look at what medium term success offers.
If Schwartz was smart he’d stay put for 1 or 2 seasons, it’s not like he was demoted here.

 

[DoURant]

Instead of Rallis for LB coach...

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Instead of Rallis for LB coach...

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Siefkes definitely has ties with Wisconsin. That doesn't mean he will be a great coach, but I do like the fact that he was a graduate assistant under former Badger DC Dave Aranda. Siefkes played defensive back at UW-La Crosse, and he was the defensive coordinator for UW-Platteville for two years in 2016 and 2017.

One positional area of coaching that has always impressed me at Wisconsin is at Linebacker. It seems like there are a lot of successful NFL players that played LB for the Badgers. Players that came to Wisconsin as non 4 or 5 star recruits, but made into great LB's during their time at the UW. I would be curious as to how many of the Badger LB coaches over the last 20 or so years have been promoted up the coaching ladder and where they are now.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Last time Green Bay went with Leonhard didn’t he say “meh… nah… I was just doing the interview for practice”

I think we could've gotten him though. Wisconsin kid, UW player, Packer fan etc. Or maybe he just doesn't like LaFleur?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I think we could've gotten him though. Wisconsin kid, UW player, Packer fan etc. Or maybe he just doesn't like LaFleur?

Damn, I check off 2 of those 3 boxes. I was so close to being a great DC option for the Packers!

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[OldSchool101]

We always say with players. “The greatest ability is availability”

If I thought the gap between upside between Leonard and Gannon was slight? I’d take the sure thing over letting both Slip away.

While Leonard certainly has an appeal. As asked on some show… if Leonard was Iowa born, Iowa raised, Iowa coaching, Iowa flag flying.. would we still have the same enthusiasm for his coaching career. Idk I think some of his appeal is emotional, it is for me and I think I’m not alone on that. Emotional can be a slippery slope because we let our fantasy of wanting that guy to succeed play over reality. He probably best case needs 1 year or more to move the train forward.

Here we have an NFL proven track record with a medium high ceiling/medium high floor D Coordinator
VS
A high ceiling, mostly medium low unknown DC option.

So if it were January 2023 and we are in a mini rebuild? I’m waiting on Leonard. Being we have really good Roster returning in 2026? I’m plugging 2 or 3 weaknesses at OL, DL, CB and maybe backup QB and give me my best chance to Win next month.

 

[Voyageur]

I still believe that Leonhard might have indicated he didn't have much interest in the Packer job because he wants his return to his home state to be as the head coach of the Badgers. Since he's also more than likely a Packer fan, the last thing he'd want to do is a possible one and done as the Packers DC, if the HC job in Madison was offered next year if Fickell gets the boot.

Or maybe he doesn't quite feel ready to make the move back and at the same time, if he didn't send hints through the grapevine that the Packer job interested him, the Packers didn't want to risk losing Gannon if Leonhard wasn't in the cards.

So many scenarios that can play out, but the fact is, I think LeFleur was really kind of hot on the trail of getting Gannon because it's someone he'd feel comfortable with.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I would love to see Brian Flores over here. A hire like that would do a lot to dispel the notion that it’s going to be same old status quo at Lambeau.

I don’t know if he’s getting much head coach buzz or not. If so might be tough to convince to make a largely “lateral” move. But maybe you can Bisaccia and convince Flores to come be DC and assistant HC lol

I would be really happy with Al Harris too honestly. He’s basically got Chicago DBs having career best years down there

Harris did a great job with Chicago DBs. Gannon is on board.

I won’t be surprised if Harris gets a DC gig. Not convinced he’s ready.

 

[Heyjoe4]

We always say with players. “The greatest ability is availability”

If I thought the gap between upside between Leonard and Gannon was slight? I’d take the sure thing over letting both Slip away.

While Leonard certainly has an appeal. As asked on some show… if Leonard was Iowa born, Iowa raised, Iowa coaching, Iowa flag flying.. would we still have the same enthusiasm for his coaching career. Idk I think some of his appeal is emotional, it is for me and I think I’m not alone on that. Emotional can be a slippery slope because we let our fantasy of wanting that guy to succeed play over reality. He probably best case needs 1 year or more to move the train forward.

Here we have an NFL proven track record with a medium high ceiling/medium high floor D Coordinator
VS
A high ceiling, mostly medium low unknown DC option.

So if it were January 2023 and we are in a mini rebuild? I’m waiting on Leonard. Being we have really good Roster returning in 2026? I’m plugging 2 or 3 weaknesses at OL, DL, CB and maybe backup QB and give me my best chance to Win next month.

Gaps in the OL, CB and iDL are huge, made worse because two CBs are needed. It won’t be easy to fix all three.

STs needs returners. Real returners, not repurposed WRs or CBs.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I still believe that Leonhard might have indicated he didn't have much interest in the Packer job because he wants his return to his home state to be as the head coach of the Badgers. Since he's also more than likely a Packer fan, the last thing he'd want to do is a possible one and done as the Packers DC, if the HC job in Madison was offered next year if Fickell gets the boot.

Or maybe he doesn't quite feel ready to make the move back and at the same time, if he didn't send hints through the grapevine that the Packer job interested him, the Packers didn't want to risk losing Gannon if Leonhard wasn't in the cards.

So many scenarios that can play out, but the fact is, I think LeFleur was really kind of hot on the trail of getting Gannon because it's someone he'd feel comfortable with.

Just too much baggage with Leonard, and I think he wants the HC job in Madison.

Gannon is a solid choice.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Not entirely correct.

The only promotion you cannot block a coach from is "head coach." All other positions are considered "assistant coaches" and the same tier. You have a 24 year old on a 2 year deal as "assistant to the assistance offensive quality control coach" and some other team wants to interview him for OC? You can block it.

In general, you shouldn't block that move. It'll hurt your hiring profile for future assistants.

Well Mannion had no problem getting the OC job in Philly.

Whether it’s allowed or not, best not to deny a guy a promotion.

 

[OldSchool101]

I still believe that Leonhard might have indicated he didn't have much interest in the Packer job because he wants his return to his home state to be as the head coach of the Badgers. Since he's also more than likely a Packer fan, the last thing he'd want to do is a possible one and done as the Packers DC, if the HC job in Madison was offered next year if Fickell gets the boot.

Or maybe he doesn't quite feel ready to make the move back and at the same time, if he didn't send hints through the grapevine that the Packer job interested him, the Packers didn't want to risk losing Gannon if Leonhard wasn't in the cards.

So many scenarios that can play out, but the fact is, I think LeFleur was really kind of hot on the trail of getting Gannon because it's someone he'd feel comfortable with.

Yep. Theres something going on there with Leonard. It’s like he was indifferent about the Packers or that’s just the vibe you get.

I think an Employer wants to be desired as much as the New hire wants that. Who wants to court someone who shows little interest. He’s already turned down the Packers before so this isn’t some made up stuff. Sometimes certain people just aren’t right for the job or it could even be a timing thing.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Leonhard going to Buffalo as DC.

 

[rmontro]

Leonhard going to Buffalo as DC.

Well, that's interesting.

 

[OldSchool101]

Kinda expected this move for Leonard.
Buffalo showed him alot of loyalty drafting him as a UDFA and kinda got his pro career in motion. Plus he left and played for them in 2013 after several injury prone seasons they showed trust in him. So he’s had 7 years of NY residency, 3 with the Jets and 4 in Buffalo.

Best thing GB can do is get Gannon to perform into a Top 10 Defense and get a nice deep playoff run

 

[rmontro]

Kinda expected this move for Leonard.
Buffalo showed him alot of loyalty drafting him as a UDFA and kinda got his pro career in motion. Plus he left and played for them in 2013 after several injury prone seasons they showed trust in him. So he’s had 7 years of NY residency, 3 with the Jets and 4 in Buffalo.

Best thing GB can do is get Gannon to perform into a Top 10 Defense and get a nice deep playoff run

So much for Wisconsin loyalty. You couldn't pay me to live in New York, unless maybe if you put me up at the Dakota or something. As for our defense, if Micah Parsons isn't good enough incentive, I don't know what would be.

 

[McKnowledge]

So much for Wisconsin loyalty. You couldn't pay me to live in New York, unless maybe if you put me up at the Dakota or something. As for our defense, if Micah Parsons isn't good enough incentive, I don't know what would be.

What's done is done.

MLF remains. Gannon is the new DC.

Leonard didn't want to be here, his past history suggest that.

Sometimes people don't want to come back "home", and they want to make a mark elsewhere.

 

[rmontro]

MLF remains. Gannon is the new DC.

I'm fine with Gannon, just to be clear. MLF staying is not something I'm so happy about. I think it's a mistake, but we shall wait and see.

 

[milani]

Well, that's interesting.

With a QB like Allen imagine what a good D would mean.

 

[McKnowledge]

I'm fine with Gannon, just to be clear. MLF staying is not something I'm so happy about. I think it's a mistake, but we shall wait and see.

I understand it completely.

I felt the same.

But now looking at the current coaching cycle, I started seeing the importance of MLF as an offensive mind, and not necessarily as HC.

I think some of the scrutiny directed towards MLF should go towards Gute as well.

For every Parsons, there's a Hobbs or Banks.

I would like to see him become a better leader for the team overall, but I can understand why the organization brought him back.

Most times, the grass isn't greener on the other side.

 

[Voyageur]

So much for Wisconsin loyalty. You couldn't pay me to live in New York, unless maybe if you put me up at the Dakota or something. As for our defense, if Micah Parsons isn't good enough incentive, I don't know what would be.

I don't see what Leonhard going to Buffalo has to do with Wisconsin loyalty. If anything, he'd find it easier to leave the Bills to go to the Badgers if offered. Also, a year or two in Buffalo could make him an easy pick as a HC.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I don't see what Leonhard going to Buffalo has to do with Wisconsin loyalty. If anything, he'd find it easier to leave the Bills to go to the Badgers if offered. Also, a year or two in Buffalo could make him an easy pick as a HC.

Leonhard going to the Bills instead of GB may have just as much to do with MLF than anything else. MLF likes to hire people that have been on other coaching staffs with him. Hafley is a good example. He may just be in a comfort zone with people that he knows vs total outsiders.

 

[Voyageur]

Leonhard going to the Bills instead of GB may have just as much to do with MLF than anything else. MLF likes to hire people that have been on other coaching staffs with him. Hafley is a good example. He may just be in a comfort zone with people that he knows vs total outsiders.

True.

 

[OldSchool101]

I'm fine with Gannon, just to be clear. MLF staying is not something I'm so happy about. I think it's a mistake, but we shall wait and see.

So what’s interesting to me was out of gate when everyone was healthy we looked great. Down the stretch when we were pretty banged up we looked disjointed. I mean we allowed over 300 yards rushing to a team we knew was going to run the ball. That didn’t sit well with me. We can certainly speak to injury but that’s implying our depth either wasn’t good or non existent. I mean Wyatt goes down and we had to sign 2 DT’s from other teams. Neither were true, starter level players.

Gutey is going to need to keep his foot on the gas. We have our key players, but I’d probably spring for 1 more Veteran Outside Defender. Similar to the level of our Adrian Amos FA “medium” tier move. Not suggesting Safety, but note the proportion of contract money in relation to a proven commodity (starter level) at a needed position.

I guess we’ll need to see how the internal, incumbent contracts fall first. Will guys be open to restructure. It’s wise to feed a new Coordinator with proper resources. Personally I’d prefer we trade or sign a veteran iDT. Had Kenny still been here I think we would’ve looked much more stout in the D middle.

 

[Poppa San]

Sometimes people don't want to come back "home", and they want to make a mark elsewhere.

Even Jesus got chased out of Nazareth.